💯authentic! I had the repairs done at Louis Vuitton. Replaced the binding and the buckle. That’s why the lighter color of the leather. But it will patina like the bottom of the bag with use . See repair pics. The date code is missing because this model had the code on the buckle of the bag that was replaced. No major stains on the inside and no smell. Also replaced the drawstring myself . Zipper works perfect.